Abu Dhabi releases packed sports event calendar

Abu Dhabi has released details of a packed sports calendar over coming months.

Highlights appear below. For a complete list of events go to www.visitabudhabi.ae and www.abudhabievents.ae

FIFA Under-17 World Cup
October 17-November 8, 2013

Taking place across six top UAE stadiums including two Abu Dhabi stadia
www.fifa.com/u17worldcup

2013 F1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix
November 1-3, 2013

Held at the 5.6 km Yas Marina Circuit on Yas Island, this is where fans get a close view of the action. The new Yasalam Y1 Access gives ticket holders a year-round package of value-added benefits and exclusive live concert ticket discounts.
www.yasmarinacircuit.com

Coutts Polo at the Palace
November 20-23, 2013

Coutts Polo at the Palace takes place at the Emirates Palace hotel with a ‘Palace Rules’ concept designed by the world’s best players to enhance the spectator experience.
www.citypoloseries.com/poloatthepalace

Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Global Arabian Flat Racing Festival
November 2013

Suit up in your Sunday best and head to Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club for the finale of the Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Global Arabian Flat Racing Festival – a globetrotting 10-race series.

Launched to increase the global diversity of pure bred Arabian horse racing, this year’s event also includes the finale of the inaugural Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak Ladies World Championship – the first international purebred Arabian series specifically created for female jockeys. Entrance is free.
www.sheikhmansoorfestival.com

Al Ain Aerobatic Show
November 30 – Dec 02

Celebrate the UAE National Day with Al Ain Aerobatic Show 2013. Watch the world’s top aerobatic pilots compete in three disciplines of air racing, as the event celebrates its 10th anniversary.
www.alainaerobaticshow.com

Mubadala World Tennis Championship
December 26-28, 2013

Six of the world’s top ten players – including defending champion and world number one Novak Djokovic and US Open, Olympic and Wimbledon champion Andy Murray – compete for the ‘winner takes all’ US $250,000 prize. Staged yearly at Abu Dhabi International Tennis Complex, Zayed Sports City.
www.mubadalawtc.com and www.thinkflash.ae

Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship
January 16-19, 2014

The battle for the coveted Falcon Trophy is a curtain-raiser to the European PGA Tour at Abu Dhabi Golf Club’s National Course. Fans can expect to see world-class players and enjoy off-course entertainment at the Championship spectator village.
www.abudhabigolfchampionship.com

Abu Dhabi International Triathlon
March 15, 2014

This annual event attracts the world’s best triathletes and international amateurs. The race is contested across three distances. The 223kms main ‘long course’ boasts a gruelling 3km swim, a 200km cycle and 20km closing run.

The ‘short’ course, at half the length, has a 1.5km swim, a 100km cycle and a 10 km run, while the sprint course – which can be run as a team relay – has a 750m swim, a 50km bike and 5km run.
www.abudhabitriathlon.com

Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge
March/April 2014

This is one of the world’s most prestigious international cross-country rallies and runs annually. This five-day motor sport spectacle is organised by the Automobile and Touring Club of the UAE and is the season-opening round of both the FIA Cross Country Rally World Cup and the FIM Cross Country Rallies World Championship.
www.uaedesertchallenge.com.

Al Gharbia Watersports Festival
April 2014

An all-watersports extravaganza on the beach in fishing town of Mirfa in Al Gharbia – Abu Dhabi’s Western Region. From kiteboards and surf ski kayaks in the waves to chilled-out camping and concerts on shore, the UAE’s wettest, wildest week.
www.algharbia.ae

Volvo Ocean Race – The Abu Dhabi Stopover
December 17, 2014 – January 3, 2015

Abu Dhabi is the host of the third 2014-15 Volvo Ocean Race stopover from mid-December 2014 until January 3, 2015. The In-Port Race takes place on January 2, 2015, with the fleet departing for Sanya, China, the following day.

www.volvooceanraceabudhabi.com